State of the Pacific 2024 - Climate Change Mitigation

Panel Convenor: Paul D’Arcy, Professor, Department of Pacific Affairs, ANU
Day: 5 September 2024
Time: 11.00-12.30pm
The just-released report by the UN’s World Meteorological Organization (WMO) on unprecedented ocean warming in 2023 makes a compelling case for prioritising ocean ecosystem adaptation and resilience in the
Pacific. The greater heat retention of ocean waters in comparison to the atmosphere is affecting different marine ecosystems in different ways, none of which are beneficial. The ocean is a key aspect of Pacific nutrition, economy and identity. This panel draws on the expertise of individuals from Pasifika communities involved in successful projects to protect and revive fisheries across a variety of marine ecosystems, together with key problems they face from coral bleaching to illegal fishing and pollution, with the aim of
achieving community engagement through empowerment relative to scientific oversight, governmental regulation, and regional planning.
• Navigating Our Ocean Priorities: Regional Approaches to Ocean Governance
Logovaka Marilyn Moira Simmons, Ocean Engagement Lead, Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat - Office of the Pacific Ocean Commissioner
• Building Tools to Manage Coral Reef Fisheries with and for Communities
Marguerite, Rereatara Taiarui, PhD Candidate in fisheries biology and Rahui Center (Centre de ressources pour les Rahui), CRIOBE - EPHE (Centre de recherche insulaire et observatoire de l’environnement - École Pratique des Hautes Études)
• Community-Based Engagement for Sustainable Ocean-Based Tourism
Amelia Faotusia, PhD Candidate, ANU and former Tongan Government economist